A popular silverback gorilla at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park passes away at 52
A western lowland gorilla at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park passed away on Monday, according to zoo authorities, from a series of age-related ailments. The gorilla is being honored as embodying “the best of us.”
Winston, 52, passed away on Saturday. He was being treated for kidney disease, degenerative joint disease, and heart problems. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park reports that wildlife care workers keeping an eye on Winston’s heart have seen signs of degeneration in recent years.
“This gentle giant will always be admired for his calm strength, laid-back demeanor, and golden heart. Officials at the park stated that Winston was one of the world’s oldest silverbacks and protected his family.
Winston was hailed by wildlife care specialists as “the best of us,” and they said that his contributions to gorilla conservation will continue to enhance the quality of life for great apes for many more generations to come.
Winston was abandoned at birth and subsequently came into the custody of an English private owner. Winston was acquired by the zoo and safari park in 1984. He was the grandfather of eight children, the great-grandfather of one, and the father of nine children.
